Makramé (mek-re-mei) is the art/craft of stringing ropes into knots in such a way that they become useful or decorative shapes. This was one of the crafts that was popular in America in the 1970s, which is now in vogue again in the form of hemp jewelry and crochet purses. Using different types of knots and accessories such as beads, you can make your own macramé in no time.
Step
Method 1 of 6: Making the Makramé Dasar Base
Step 1. Find an object that can be used as a support
Objects that are often used are usually rings or horizontal bars. Although the macramé is designed to be permanent on the holder, it's a good idea to use a pencil to practice.
- You may not use supports and string the rope on a flat plane -- but make sure the rope stays strung and parallel to the plane.
- If you want to make a necklace or bracelet, use a connector or puller as a pedestal! If it can be threaded there, it means it can be used.
Step 2. Start tying the anchor knots
Place the rope over the anchor and bend it. This is the usual way to get started in making macramé.
You can find string for macramé at craft supply stores. The rope material is good, but the art of the macramé lies in the knots. You can also use mine if you want
Step 3. Pass the remaining length of string through the loop
Pull the remaining length of this rope from towards the other side to make it easier.
Step 4. Gently pull down to smooth the knot
Anchor knot done! Here's the basics needed to get started with any build, with some standard variations including:
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Most manufactures require at least four strands of rope. If in this condition, create two adjacent anchor vertices, or create an anchor node inside another anchor node.
- For two adjacent anchor vertices, use a color pattern, for example, red-red-blue-blue. The red-blue rope in the middle will anchor the rope; red will be the left part you will work with, and blue will be the right part. That way, the colors will be different.
- For anchor nodes that are inside a larger anchor node, the pattern is red-blue-blue-red. The blue rope will anchor the rope; red will be the node you are working with. That way, the colors will be the same.
Method 2 of 6: Tying a Dead Knot
Step 1. Cross the right rope to the left
You can also start by crossing the string on the left -- whichever one you choose, the result will be a dead knot. This is the basic knot found in most macramé creations. If you want to make macramé, this is the first knot you should learn!
Step 2. Thread the left string through the loop formed by the right string
Basically, it's the same as tying shoes.
Step 3. Trim the knots
Make sure to pull both halves of the rope evenly so that the knot is in the middle. If you stop here, you'll get a half-wind knot. If you repeat it over and over again, the result is a series of spirals.
Step 4. Cross the left rope over the right
That is, if you start from the right, then the pattern is right, left, right, left, right, left, right and so on.
Step 5. Thread the right string through the loop formed by the left string
Again, this simple knot starts on the other side (to form a dead "parallel" knot).
Step 6. Trim the knot again
Step 7. Repeat this pattern as long as desired
This row of knots is called a "sennit". What length of sennit do you want?
- A variation of the dead knot is the double flat knot. This knot requires four strings. Start with the outermost string and make a dead knot as usual. After that, take the anchor rope and make a dead knot around the outermost knot that was previously made. Leave a little space between the two knots for an interesting alternating pattern.
- The more ropes used, the more attractive the shape will be. A variation of the dead knot forms a ring series with 8 interesting strings. Make a knot as usual, then take the right pair and the left pair and make a knot. After that, knot again as usual, and return to the other pair. Do this next.
Method 3 of 6: Tying an Irregular Knot
Step 1. Loop rope 2 towards rope 1
For this knot, you only need two ropes. Strap 1 (on the right) will be referred to as the "strap holding". Rope 2 must be turned counterclockwise.
Grab the 2nd rope, and loop it under the holding strap, then loop it around the rope itself. This forms the first bond
Step 2. Loop the holding strap against the strap 2
For this, you will move clockwise. Loop up, down, and up again, with the end of the rope on the left.
Step 3. Repeat until the length you want
Now, that is the basis of the irregular knot. This may seem very simple, but knowing this you can create more knots.
With three and four straps, the pattern will be more interesting. For three ropes, loop the left and right ropes in this pattern around the main rope. For four ropes, take the outermost rope on the left and the outermost rope on the right and wrap them around their respective pair anchors, winding alternately around the "both" rope anchor. The first knot will be around one string, the second will be around the second -- alternating of course
Method 4 of 6: Tying the Knot Josephine
Step 1. Make a loop with your left outermost string
Don't wrap it around another rope, just loop it around the rope itself. The bottom end of the rope should be below the top end of the rope, no more. The loop of rope should be on the right side.
Step 2. Take the right rope and cross it over the loop of the rope
After that, take the end and thread it through the bottom of the loop of rope.
Step 3. Place rope 2 at the top of the rope loop
Do not place it on the loop of rope, but only on the top of the loop of rope that is not looped. After that, place it under the top of the loop of rope, against the rope itself (as in step 2) and under the bottom of the loop of rope.
You'll see a slanted number 8 shape -- like the two ugly rings on the Olympic logo
Step 4. Fasten
Make sure both sides are equally tight. To make it more interesting, make it with four ropes. Make two ropes together, keeping them together. Repeat at will.
Method 5 of 6: Using Beads, etc
Step 1. Form the hook
If you're making a necklace or bracelet, you'll need something with which to attach it. The simplest is to make buttons. There are two things to think about, namely the beginning and the end.
- For starters, don't tie the rope to the anchor knot yet. Leave room to slide buttons/beads/hooks.
- For the final piece, simply add stuff all over the rope, tie it in a knot, and add a little glue to make it more secure. Cut off the remaining pieces and slide them into the space you left earlier.
Step 2. Add embellishments
Even though macramé already looks pretty, if you're making jewelry, you'll need extra beads to make it look even more interesting!
- With a dead knot, all you need are four strings to add the beads to. Slide the beads into the two strings in the middle and tie them in a dead knot.
- Use the beads as a pedestal. Then, make a knot in two different directions. With two sets of string, knot the length you want and tie the two together when you're done!
Step 3. Create a slidable hook
Making bracelets that you can easily put on and take off may seem like a bracelet maker's task, but it's actually easy. Make a knot of a certain length from the rope and wrap it around the loop. Take the remaining length of the rope (approximately 10 cm) and tie a knot at each end of the rope.
After making a dead knot about 1.27 cm long, thread the end through the back of the flap. This can be solved more easily with the help of a needle. The length of the dead knot keeps the ends together and can be shifted down and up
Method 6 of 6: Keeping the Description
Step 1. Gather the ends of the rope
Many rigging risk causing tangling. To prevent damage and tangles, you can tie the ends of the rope.
Starting at the bottom end of the rope, loop the rope around your thumb. Cross it over your palms by wrapping the rope around your pinky
Step 2. Repeat until you get to the end of the rope
Continue to make the number 8 until the end of the rope.
Step 3. Tie the rope or use rubber on the rope that has been collected earlier
It will be easier if you use an extra rope when you are working on it.
Tips
- Making a head knot is a great way to make a keychain.
- If it's your first time making it, choose a simple pattern. Key chains or bracelets are suitable for beginners, while plant hangers or owl decorations are for intermediate levels. Wallets, bed decorations or chairs are for the advanced.
- Purchase a special macramé string for your first knot, and switch to another type of rope once you're good at knotting.
